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PROVO — The Monte L. Bean Life Science museum is set to open after a two-year renovation.
With new exhibits, new animals on display and new ways to learn about the residents of the museum, the renovation has something for everyone.
“One of the main missions and goals of this museum is the research and collections side,” said Emily Hellewell, public relations representative of the museum. “These collections are open and available to researchers of all kinds for free. You can come in and consult with the people in the museum to learn more about the life sciences.”
An accurate depiction of predators in their natural habitats, “Life on Top: Apex Predators,” has life-like dioramas featuring bears, wolves, lions and more.
“Some lions with their pride, a wolf attacking a moose … it’s these taxidermied animals in formations you might see them in the wild,” Hellewell said.
The new building, Hellewell said, is one of the most beautiful museums she has seen. There is also a new orientation room and classrooms for local schools to come and learn about animals. The research and collections facility has also been expanded.
“They added a ‘wet collections facility’ for animals in jars with formaldehyde,” Hellewell said.
There are two giraffes in the new atrium, and visitors can see from below on the ground floor, and get at eye level with the animals on the second floor of the museum.
The most unique addition is the Boyd K. Packer Gallery, which features the accomplished amateur art of Packer, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“There’s also one section of it that is a reproduction of his family living room. The furniture from his living room is all set up, like a presidential library,” Hellewell said. “It’s sort of quirky because it’s 1970’s furniture, and it’s really cool.”
The public is invited to celebrate opening day on June 7 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 645 E. 1430 North in Provo.
“One of the main missions and goals of this museum is the research and collections side,” Hellewell said. “These collections are open and available to researchers of all kinds, for free. You can come in and consult with the people in the museum to learn more about the life sciences.”
